This stage is more about progress than results. According to Gary Phillips on X, Boone said, “Gerrit Cole is scheduled to face hitters in Hudson Valley on Sunday.” After missing the entire 2025 season following Tommy John surgery, the Yankees are carefully managing each step of his recovery.

After Cole passed his first test, the upcoming live-hitter session will give the Yankees a much clearer read on how his arm is responding, providing an important checkpoint that will help determine the next steps in his recovery process.

Progress over pressure

For the Yankees, the priority is making sure Cole returns at full strength, not rushing him back too soon. Facing hitters is a significant milestone, but it is only one step in a longer path.

The team understands what is at stake. Cole has been a cornerstone of the rotation, posting a 3.12 ERA during his time in New York and winning the Cy Young Award in 2023. His presence can immediately change the outlook of the pitching staff.

Building toward a full return

Even after this step, Cole will likely need more rehab outings before returning to the major leagues. The team wants to build him up slowly and avoid any setbacks. If everything goes well, his return will strengthen the Yankees in a big way. For now, the focus stays on steady progress and taking it one step at a time.

According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, pitching coach Matt Blake offered an intriguing outlook: “I think from a preparation standpoint, a physical standpoint, we can definitely see that version of Gerrit… Who knows if there’s another gear in there.”

Cole, who passed his first test as the Yankees stay patient, has already faced hitters this spring and threw an inning against the Boston Red Sox. A Cy Young winner and six-time All-Star, he could return not just healthy but with adjustments after spending time studying the game from the sidelines.

A refined version of Cole could change expectations

Blake’s comments suggest more than a routine comeback. Cole has had time to analyze hitters and league trends, which could help him refine his approach.

The challenge will be matching his 2023 form in a league that continues to adjust. Still, the Yankees believe his preparation and experience could lead to a more complete version of their ace.

Yankees manage rotation while waiting

To open the season, the Yankees will rely on Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers, with Luis Gil expected to join as needed. Both Cole and Carlos Rodon begin the year on the injured list.

Cole is scheduled to throw two innings in the spring finale against the Chicago Cubs. While his return is still weeks away, the possibility of a stronger version adds pressure on opposing teams.

“I just wanted to enjoy all of it. That was my goal for today. No reservations. Try not to judge yourself too hard,” Cole said, according to SNY. “Just have fun. No thoughts about wanting to take a little bit off. Just go ahead and let it fly.”

After Yankees confirmed Gerrit Cole’s spring return, his performance, featuring velocity up to 98 mph and sharp secondary pitches, offered reassurance. Still, both the pitcher and the organization remain focused on a long-term recovery process rather than short-term results.

Cole’s return shows progress, but Yankees remain cautious

Cole’s outing was less about results and more about testing his arm under real-game conditions. Manager Aaron Boone noted the significance of simply seeing his ace back on the mound. “It was exciting. Had the nerves over there, too, knowing obviously who he is to our team and what he means to us,” Boone said.

The right-hander even handled defensive plays without issue, further reinforcing confidence in his physical condition. He followed the inning with additional bullpen work, finishing the day around 30 pitches.

Yankees rotation outlook hinges on patience and depth

Despite the positive signs, Cole confirmed that his timeline remains unchanged, with a target return around early June. “I wouldn’t commit to it. Nothing has changed,” he said. “Still on track. Hoping it plays out that way. I’d be thrilled if it did.”

While the current group offers potential, the Yankees’ long-term outlook depends on getting Cole back at full strength. Rushing his return now could jeopardize the stability of a rotation that, if healthy by midseason, has the depth to compete with the league’s elite.

“I’m excited to be playing the game, and I’m excited that I did all those things well to give us this opportunity too,” Cole told the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. “So, it’s kind of a big deal, but it’s kind of just the next step in the process.”

The confirmation comes at a pivotal juncture of the spring training schedule as teams finalize their Opening Day rosters. Cole’s successful progression toward game action suggests his recovery is tracking perfectly toward a late-May or early-June return to the Yankees‘ rotation.

Beyond his own progress, Cole has spent the spring mentoring top pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange, whose triple-digit velocity has stunned teammates in camp.

Cole explains systematic return to form

He reiterated to The Post that his focus remains on long-term health over immediate spring results.

“It’s kind of the next step,” Cole noted. “The last batting practice session was really productive, but there’s a lot of just sitting here and waiting for the body to respond, so it will be good to finally face an opposing jersey.”

Yankees vs. Red Sox: Projected spring lineups

With Cole confirmed for his one-inning stint, the Yankees are expected to field a lineup featuring several regular starters to provide their ace with maximum defensive support.

Projected Yankees Lineup:

1. Trent Grisham CF
2. Cody Bellinger LF
3. Giancarlo Stanton DH
4. Ben Rice 1B
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B
6. Ryan McMahon 3B
7. Austin Wells C
8. Jose Caballero SS
9. Seth Brown RF

• Starting Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (1.0 Inning limit) followed by Luis Gil.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are expected to counter with a mix of roster hopefuls and bullpen arms. Boston is likely to utilize a “bullpen day” started by Justin Slaten or Greg Weissert to match Cole’s abbreviated outing.

Projected Red Sox Lineup:

1. Jarren Duran LF
2. Trevor Story SS
3. Triston Casas 1B
4. Masataka Yoshida DH
5. Ceddanne Rafaela CF
6. Marcelo Mayer 2B
7. Connor Wong C
8. Caleb Durbin 3B
9. Rob Refsnyder RF

• Starting Pitcher: Justin Slaten (Opener) followed by Johan Oviedo.

According to Jack Curry of YES Network, Cole recently delivered a moment during a bullpen session that reflected the same competitive intensity he has always shown on the mound.

“There was a vintage Gerrit Cole moment during his 35-pitch live BP session. After a coach barked ‘up’ and called Cole’s first pitch a ball, Cole stopped and asked the catcher, ‘Did you have that up? Because that was on the plate.’ Cole, ever the intense competitor,” Curry wrote on X.

He also added: “After Cole’s 35‑pitch live BP session, he said he will throw again in 6 days. Cole said he and the Yankees ‘will likely’ have a conversation about him pitching in a spring training game.”

Cole continues progress after missing 2025 season

Cole last pitched in 2024, when he posted an 8–5 record with a 3.41 ERA in 17 appearances. A year earlier, he delivered one of the best seasons of his career, going 15–4 with a 2.63 ERA across 33 starts.

His health remains one of the most important storylines for the Yankees as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season and attempt to compete with the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

Yankees rotation still managing injuries

The Yankees rotation has dealt with several injury concerns this spring. Along with Cole, Clarke Schmidt and Carlos Rodon have also worked through health issues as the team prepares for the new season.

Although Max Fried is expected to begin the season as the Yankees’ ace, the team will eventually rely on Cole’s return if it hopes to remain a strong contender. His recent bullpen sessions, combined with his trademark competitive drive, could be an encouraging sign as he continues his recovery.

Lagrange’s spring performance has been remarkable, whether throwing 102 mph fastballs past Aaron Judge in live at-bats or racking up 12 triple-digit heaters over three scoreless innings. Cole’s endorsement adds to the excitement surrounding the young flamethrower.

Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, shared his thoughts on Lagrange during spring workouts. “It’s like, silly,” Cole said, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s wild. I’m just blown away by the velocity every time.”

Stage is set for a breakout season

While Lagrange has only 16 games at Double-A and has yet to make his Triple-A debut, the Yankees are likely to continue his development in the minors to start the 2026 season. If his spring form carries over, a major league debut in the Bronx later this year is within reach.

Future role in Yankees rotation

New York’s rotation already features Cole and Carlos Rodon, so an immediate starting spot may not be available for Lagrange. However, his triple-digit fastball and strikeout ability make him a strong candidate for a late-season bullpen role or spot-starts, giving fans a glimpse of his MLB potential.

Cole has already faced live hitters and taken part in multiple bullpen sessions. Reports indicate he has touched 97 mph with his fastball, a strong sign that his arm strength is coming back. For a 35-year-old pitcher returning from major surgery, the early results are promising.

According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the Yankees believe Cole could be ready to return sooner rather than later. “The Yankees say he (Cole) may be MLB-ready in late May or early June,” Hoch shared. That update confirms the expectation that Cole could rejoin the rotation within the first few months of the season.

The Yankees must stay patient

Even with the positive signs, New York’s priority should be patience. Cole may look sharp now, but rushing a pitcher back from Tommy John surgery can carry serious risks.

The Yankees are built to compete deep into October. While getting Cole back in May would help, having him fully healthy for the second half of the season — and especially the postseason — matters far more.

There have been no reports of complications, and everything appears to be trending in the right direction. That makes it even more important not to change course. A careful, controlled return gives Cole the best chance to pitch at a high level once he is officially back in the rotation.

If the Yankees avoid the temptation to speed up the process, they will put themselves in the strongest possible position to compete for a championship later in the year.

Gerrit Cole, the team’s ace, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2025. The injury kept him out all of last season, and he only made 17 starts in 2024. Despite the setback, Cole has been steadily progressing in his rehab.

“I would say it’s gone very well. We’ve hit every marker that we’ve tried to hit. We’re in the parameters of what we’re looking for,” Cole said after a recent throwing session. “The level of execution has been really high, especially the last start. It doesn’t always happen like that, but so far, so good.”

Cole shows encouraging signs

Recently, Cole was seen hitting 97 mph on the radar gun, a significant milestone in his recovery. While the Yankees do not expect him back until June, each positive benchmark brings hope that he can return to his pre-injury form.

With Max Fried leading the rotation, Carlos Rodon in form, and Cam Schlittler ready to step up after manager Aaron Boone announced a potential return date for the young pitcher, the Yankees could field one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball for the 2026 season.

However, it appears unlikely that Cole will be back sooner than expected. In fact, Cole himself issued a clear statement about his recovery, as he faced hitters for the first time since his injury. “It’s great to feel great, but I don’t think it makes me want to accelerate,” Cole told reporters.

While his progress signifies a promising development for the Yankees‘ medical team, Cole is aware that he needs more than just pitching against real hitters to fully recover from his elbow injury sustained before last season.

Indeed, manager Aaron Boone conveyed a strong message regarding Cole’s return following an encouraging bullpen session. This has tempered expectations among fans, shedding light on the realistic timeline for Cole’s comeback and its potential impact on the Yankees’ lineup.

Initial impressions from Cole facing hitters

Yankees supporters are eagerly anticipating a stronger performance compared to last year, particularly given that Cole was one of the most notable absences last season. As Cole is expected to make his return, fans are waiting for him to regain his peak form.

Here are first impressions from Cole’s return:

• Hitters faced: Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Domínguez, and Trent Grisham.
• Highlight: Cole reportedly struck out Trent Grisham to wrap up his session, with his fastball clocking in between 95–97 mph.
• Catcher’s feedback: Austin Wells, who was behind the plate, commented: “He looks like a Cy Young pitcher already. The life on the heater is back.”

Cole is now expected to make a significant impact on a roster that also features players eagerly anticipated by fans for the upcoming season, like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, two of the team’s top hitters.

“If someone had told me that he’d just come back from Tommy John surgery and this was his first time facing live hitters, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Judge remarked regarding Cole, who is poised to return to the Yankees’ lineup in the upcoming season.

Cole was a significant absentee for the Yankees last season, and his presence was noticeably missed in the pitching rotation, especially during the postseason. His experience could have been pivotal for the Bronx Bombers in their face-off against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Expectations are now high for Cole‘s contributions in the forthcoming season. Despite few offseason acquisitions, with Cody Bellinger being the only major free agent signing for the 2026 MLB season, the Yankees are preparing for a strong campaign.

Judge’s comments on Cole’s return

Anticipating a rejuvenated Cole in the forthcoming season, the Yankees’ fanbase eagerly awaits his debut on the mound in the regular season. On this topic, Judge shared his insights about his returning teammate.

“We’re pumped. Whenever he makes his comeback, the boys in the clubhouse are going to be thrilled,” Judge told the media following the Yankees’ spring training opener against the Orioles.

This positive energy within the Yankees’ roster fuels their belief in their potential to excel in the upcoming season. Fans are hoping for a triumphant run, as the Bronx Bombers aim to capture another World Series title in 2026.

Cole’s first live batting practice came against some of the Yankees’ biggest stars, providing a meaningful gauge of his progress. Pitching to the likes of Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham, Cole tested his mechanics and feel on the mound, marking a critical step in his recovery— one that aligns with what he shared in his recent update, where Cole provided a crystal‑clear look at his Tommy John rehab.

“This will be the first time Gerrit Cole faces hitters in his TJS rehab. He’s on the schedule for an inning. He’s scheduled to face a live BP group of Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham.” NY Daily News Sports’ Gary Phillips wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The process is about more than velocity or command — it’s about timing, endurance, and confidence. Cole has approached the rehab with his usual intensity, ensuring that each milestone brings him closer to returning to the rotation he dominated in 2024.

This first live-hitting session will give the Yankees a better idea of his readiness, and the team plans to continue monitoring him closely to avoid setbacks. Each step is critical, especially given the impact Cole had in 2024, helping New York reach the World Series.

What does this mean for the Yankees rotation?

If Cole continues to progress smoothly, the Yankees could see their ace back on the mound sooner rather than later. His return would provide immediate stability and bolster a rotation that carried high expectations into the 2026 campaign. Avoiding any complications will be key, but for now, Cole’s progress offers optimism for a team eager to regain its 2024 form.